July 30, 2008
Struggling to pay its rising fuel bill, Delta Airlines has announced it is doubling its fee for a second checked bag to $50. The carrier said the new fee will apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after Thursday for travel on or after Aug. 5.
The airline said the higher baggage fee will help offset the increase in jet fuel prices in the last year, which is said have risen as much as 80 percent. Delta, along with several other airlines, began charging $25 for a second checked bag in April.
"As fuel costs remain at record levels, Delta believes revising the fee structure for excess bags and specialty items is essential to generate the necessary revenues to offset record fuel costs while continuing to offer these services to customers," the airline said in a statement.
Delta said it would continue to offer all customers a complimentary first checked bag for domestic travel and two checked bags for international flights.
Fee changes effective in August include an increase to the service fee to check a second bag for domestic travel from $25 to $50; and fees for specialty items that require special handling such as surfboards or ski equipment will increase on domestic and international flights. First Class, BusinessElite and Medallion customers will continue to be able to check up to three bags at no charge.
Customers checking bags on international flights may continue checking a first and second bag at no charge, the airline said.
